DA wants probe into Gauteng Covid-19 contracts

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation last week authorising the SIU to “investigate any unlawful or improper conduct in the procurement of any goods, works and services during or related to the national state of disaster in any state institution”.

The DA says it will be writing to the president to ask him to direct the SIU to the alleged impropriety in Gauteng.

A report in the Sunday Independent linked the Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku and his wife Loyiso Lugayeni-Masuku to a R125 million tender for protective gear.

The DA's Siviwe Gwarube believes there are many other companies which have benefitted illegally from the Covid-19 emergency tenders.

"Over and above the controversial R124 million personal protective equipment tender that was awarded to Royal Bhaca Projects, a company with deep connections within the ANC, there are many other companies and organisations which have inappropriately and illegally gained millions from this crisis which must be investigated.”

She says all contracts awarded by the department must be reviewed.

"Only the president can direct the SIU on key areas of focus for their investigation. Considering his commitment to combating corruption associated with this pandemic, he should not hesitate to place all these contracts under the spotlight.

"The rampant looting of state resources cannot be a something that is retrospectively investigated. Those who steal public money or inappropriately obtain government contracts must be stopped in their tracks."

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